How to attend the Papal audience?

4.3(130,472 ratings)
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Pope Leo XIV addressing audience at Vatican City during Papal Audience Viewing Experience.
Tourists viewing artifacts and artworks in the Vatican Jubilee Collection, Rome, Italy.
Pope Leo XIV addressing audience at Vatican City during Papal Audience Viewing Experience.
Vatican City crowd attending mass in St. Peter's Square.
Tourists inside St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican City, admiring the grand architecture on a guided tour.
Tourists in St. Peter's Square with St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican City.
St. Peter's Basilica interior with ornate ceiling and grand columns in Vatican City.
St. Peter Basilica dome view from Vatican City rooftop.
Pope Leo XIV addressing audience at Vatican City during Papal Audience Viewing Experience.
Tourists viewing artifacts and artworks in the Vatican Jubilee Collection, Rome, Italy.
Pope Leo XIV addressing audience at Vatican City during Papal Audience Viewing Experience.
Vatican City crowd attending mass in St. Peter's Square.
Tourists inside St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican City, admiring the grand architecture on a guided tour.
Tourists in St. Peter's Square with St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican City.
St. Peter's Basilica interior with ornate ceiling and grand columns in Vatican City.
St. Peter Basilica dome view from Vatican City rooftop.
Pope Leo XIV addressing audience at Vatican City during Papal Audience Viewing Experience.
Tourists viewing artifacts and artworks in the Vatican Jubilee Collection, Rome, Italy.
Pope Leo XIV addressing audience at Vatican City during Papal Audience Viewing Experience.
Vatican City crowd attending mass in St. Peter's Square.
Tourists inside St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican City, admiring the grand architecture on a guided tour.
Tourists in St. Peter's Square with St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican City.
St. Peter's Basilica interior with ornate ceiling and grand columns in Vatican City.
St. Peter Basilica dome view from Vatican City rooftop.
4.0(772)

Papal Audience Guided Tour with Reserved Seating

from
€31
Free cancellation

You can cancel these tickets up to 48 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Instant confirmation
Mobile ticket
2 hr 30 min - 5 hr

Witness Pope Leo XIV’s first public audiences with exclusive, reserved seating in St. Peter’s Square.

  • Everything you get: Experience one of the Vatican’s most moving traditions as Pope Leo XIV addresses pilgrims from around the world. With guaranteed seating in St. Peter’s Square, you’ll join hymns, prayers, and reflections in the heart of Catholicism. A guide will help you understand the ceremony, its history, and its spiritual meaning.
  • Why choose this: A rare chance to witness the Pope live—something most visitors only dream of. With reserved seating, skip the stress and soak in this once-in-a-lifetime moment, experiencing a centuries-old tradition up close.
  • Upgrades: After the gathering, explore the Basilica’s chapels, tombs, and masterpieces with a guided tour that adds meaning to your morning.

Witness Pope Leo XIV’s first public audiences with exclusive, reserved seating in St. Peter’s Square.

  • Everything you get: Experience one of the Vatican’s most moving traditions as Pope Leo XIV addresses pilgrims from around the world. With guaranteed seating in St. Peter’s Square, you’ll join hymns, prayers, and reflections in the heart of Catholicism. A guide will help you understand the ceremony, its history, and its spiritual meaning.
  • Why choose this: A rare chance to witness the Pope live—something most visitors only dream of. With reserved seating, skip the stress and soak in this once-in-a-lifetime moment, experiencing a centuries-old tradition up close.
  • Upgrades: After the gathering, explore the Basilica’s chapels, tombs, and masterpieces with a guided tour that adds meaning to your morning.

Inclusions

  • Invitation to the Vatican Papal Audience & guaranteed seating
  • Guided tour of St. Peter's Basilica or the Papal Audience (as per option selected)
  • Expert English or Spanish-speaking guide (as per option selected)
  • Expect mandatory security screening before accessing St. Peter’s Square. Wait times may vary from 30-60 minutes during peak seasons.
  • Bring a printed or digital copy of your invitation. Also, a valid ID matching the name on your reservation.
  • Large bags or backpacks aren't allowed; storage facilities are not available.
  • Flash photography or recording during the audience is prohibited.
  • Seating tip: Aisle seats offer the best chance for a close-up view of the Pope as he moves through the audience.
  • Knees and shoulders must be covered for all attendees.
  • Wheelchair & stroller-accessible routes available. Ramp access is provided on the right semicircle of St. Peter’s Square.
  • The Papal Audience schedule may change; check the Vatican’s official calendar for updates.
  • You can cancel these tickets up to 48 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Reviews
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4.0
772 ratings
437
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Guests from United States, Colombia, United Kingdom and over 26 countries have loved this experience
What our guests say
reviewer
Stacy
May 2025Verified booking
5/5

Initially we weren't on "the list" perhaps due to booking a day prior to the event. We were told to wait until everyone was checked in and was escorted over to a guide. She was amazing. I wish I knew her name to give her an A++ review she deserved. She got us to the front of the line and the best aisle seats to view Pope Leo. Memories to last a lifetime!!

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Jaime
Jun 2025Verified booking
3/5

I thought there would be more provided than the free papal audience ticket and the guide walking us into vatican city. The guides were wonderful, and the information he provided was great, but there was really only 15 minutes worth of information. I think I would prefer to save money next time that I want to participate the Papal Audience. We turned in our whisper devices as soon as we arrived at the seats, so there was really very limited amount of description of the papal audience.

reviewer
Marilyn
Jun 2025Verified booking
5/5

Our guide worked very hard to get his small group up close to the viewing - he had an asssociate who was working with him steering him to front row seats! Along the way he explained the up-coming Papal procession, the Vatican state, the Swiss guards and general history. Well Done!

reviewer
Sheelagh
Jun 2025Verified booking
5/5

Everything it was a brilliant experience

reviewer
Jorge
Jun 2025Verified booking
4/5

seeing the Pope live, in the vatican

reviewer
Dennis
Jun 2025Verified booking
5/5

reviewer
Rosemarie
Jun 2025Verified booking
4/5

reviewer
Ivy
Jun 2025Verified booking
5/5

reviewer
Kathryn
Jun 2025Verified booking
4/5

reviewer
Rachel
Jun 2025Verified booking
3/5

reviewer
Moreyfel
Jun 2025Verified booking
5/5

reviewer
Tanja
Jun 2025Verified booking
3/5

reviewer
SUSANNE
Jun 2025Verified booking
5/5

reviewer
Gianpiero
Jun 2025Verified booking
4/5

reviewer
Joseph
May 2025Verified booking
5/5

reviewer
Eliane
May 2025Verified booking
5/5

reviewer
Maryann
May 2025Verified booking
2/5

The process of locating the guide was extremely stressful - I arrived at 630am and still by 715 it was a chaos with tour guides shouting at each other and no one offering helpful service. Only after I had to be very forceful to a staff member to say I'm not a late no show I have a ticket did they allow me to join.

reviewer
EDITHA
Jun 2025Verified booking
2/5

We were left alone after entering the St Peter's Square

reviewer
June
Jun 2025Verified booking
1/5

It was a fiasco. I arrived at the given meeting point 45 minutes early. There was no guide to be seen. I eventually made contact with11 other people also at the same point and also unable to make contact with anyone from the Company. When someone eventually responded to frantic phone calls it was to say that the meeting point had been changed and we had been advised. I had certainly not received any communication stating this and neither had any of the other people. By this time it was 8.30 and we then had to do what turned into a 15 minute walk (due to road closures etc by police and military). We then got to the rearranged meeting point where we personally had to ask a girl sat on the steps if she was the person we were looking for. She had nothing to suggest that she was from Headout. No tshirt, no flag. She did not even greet us or make any apologies. Her first words were 'you are very late' which totally annoyed me as I was, as were the others very early. By the time we got into the square the Pope had started his audience. It was so crowded we could not get to the seating area for another 30 minutes. The whole morning was totally ruined by u professionalism. We later met at 12.15 for the tour of St. Peters Basilica- again nothing indicated that it was Headout. In fact it looked like she had tied a dirty bandana/neckerchief onto a pole. For the fee charged I felt it was all totally unacceptable and ruined what should have been a special once in a lifetime (well for me) trip I had done a guided tour the day previous to the Coliseum with another tour company and you could do with learning a few lessons in professionalism from them. Sorry but you will not be getting any recommendations whatsoever from me and I would be interested in your excuses. If it was just myself complaining I would be doubting what happened but there were another 12 people experiencing exactly the same.

reviewer
CARMENCITA
Jun 2025Verified booking
1/5

The guide Stefan saved the day. Other than that, it was horrible. Waited at the venue sent only to find out it was in a different location. Never again headout

reviewer
JOSE
Jun 2025Verified booking
1/5

The guide didn't show up at the appointed place because he was with another group. Luckily, other people helped us by showing us the way to attend the hearing even without the guide. Occasionally we found the guide after almost two hours, who was with another group and ended up taking us in on a limited basis.

View original review in Portuguese

reviewer
Grace
Jun 2025Verified booking
1/5

Nobody was there from headout. We were like crazy asking every tour group. We were there at 7 am but no guide tour was there. Please refund our money. We were scammed🤬🤬🤬Refund our money ASAP

reviewer
Alisa
Jun 2025Verified booking
1/5

The organizer on site was very disorganized and we waited almost an hour before we went on our tour to St. Peter's Basilica. There we were not let in via the fast track entrance, but had to stand in the blazing sun again for over an hour with the others. All in all, I spent the money for nothing. I could have done it all for free.

View original review in German

reviewer
Jennifer
May 2025Verified booking
1/5

We were on our own for the Papal Audience, she simply gave us the yellow invitation and sticker and showed us where to go for security check, which was a huge line the figure ourselves out once inline looking for seats on our own in huge lines. We were then supposed to go back to meet her at McDonalds after Pope audience, but the crowds were huge and hard to walk back in the heat so it was harder to go back in the heat so we went into St. Peter on our own. It was harder to go back looking for her once we were there than to just go ahead and look around own our own. Very inconveniencing

reviewer
Ivan
May 2025Verified booking
1/5

First, No one was holding up an orange umbrella, it was leaning against the wall and couldn't be seen. The guide for the tour, had us wait an hour and another guide made us get out our. Tickets again to split up group. Unorganized. The flag she was holding didn't say "English' but a.small ribbon with a tiny bear. Guide Maria walked us around for 30 minutes not being able to get in. The tour didn't even start and by 12:30 pm we were still in line. Twice we were told by guide to turn around and walk back through crowds to different locations. I video tape me giving back my radio to Maria as others were doing as well. We would have never gotten into Basillica by time it was supposed to be over. Extremely disappointed and I would like a refund I never have bad experiences but every single person in the group was complaining as well about what they said was "a rip off" . I chose to leave this unhealthy experience and all the negative energy. Please refund my money. TY

St. Peter’s Basilica facade with tourists in Vatican City.
Visitors exploring the Vatican Museums with a guide, viewing art and architecture, Rome, Italy.
Vatican Museums guided tour with visitors admiring Sistine Chapel ceiling in Rome.
Vatican Museum Gallery visitors admiring artwork in Sistine Chapel, Rome.
Tour group admiring Sistine Chapel ceiling during Vatican Museums guided tour, Rome.
Vatican Museums guided tour group viewing Sistine Chapel ceiling artwork.
Visitors on St. Peter’s Basilica Dome Terrace in Rome, Italy, overlooking cityscape.
St. Peter’s Basilica facade with tourists in Vatican City.
Visitors exploring the Vatican Museums with a guide, viewing art and architecture, Rome, Italy.
Vatican Museums guided tour with visitors admiring Sistine Chapel ceiling in Rome.
Vatican Museum Gallery visitors admiring artwork in Sistine Chapel, Rome.
Tour group admiring Sistine Chapel ceiling during Vatican Museums guided tour, Rome.
Vatican Museums guided tour group viewing Sistine Chapel ceiling artwork.
Visitors on St. Peter’s Basilica Dome Terrace in Rome, Italy, overlooking cityscape.
St. Peter’s Basilica facade with tourists in Vatican City.
Visitors exploring the Vatican Museums with a guide, viewing art and architecture, Rome, Italy.
Vatican Museums guided tour with visitors admiring Sistine Chapel ceiling in Rome.
Vatican Museum Gallery visitors admiring artwork in Sistine Chapel, Rome.
Tour group admiring Sistine Chapel ceiling during Vatican Museums guided tour, Rome.
Vatican Museums guided tour group viewing Sistine Chapel ceiling artwork.
Visitors on St. Peter’s Basilica Dome Terrace in Rome, Italy, overlooking cityscape.
4.4(18,838)

Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Guided Tour with St. Peter's Basilica

from €74.90
€59.92

20% off

Instant confirmation
Mobile ticket
2 hr - 3 hr

Explore all three Vatican highlights with skip-the-line access to the Museums and exclusive entry to the basilica via a hidden passage.

  • Everything you get: Skip the ticketing queues and follow your expert guide through the Vatican Museums, including the Gallery of Maps, Raphael Rooms, and more. Get all the context you need before stepping into the Sistine Chapel to admire Michelangelo’s masterpieces. Enter St. Peter’s Basilica directly—skipping the 2-hour queue—through a special passageway from the Chapel.
  • Why choose this: This shortcut takes you straight from the Sistine Chapel into St. Peter’s Basilica, saving you hours of waiting. With over a millennium of history, St. Peter’s is packed with must-see treasures, and your guide ensures you don’t miss the iconic rooms and hidden stories you'd likely miss on your own.
  • Upgrade: Choose a semi-private tour with a small group (max 10) for a deeper, more exclusive experience across all three Vatican sites. Or start your day in a serene setting with early access—beat the crowds and reach the Dome’s summit for spectacular views.

Explore all three Vatican highlights with skip-the-line access to the Museums and exclusive entry to the basilica via a hidden passage.

  • Everything you get: Skip the ticketing queues and follow your expert guide through the Vatican Museums, including the Gallery of Maps, Raphael Rooms, and more. Get all the context you need before stepping into the Sistine Chapel to admire Michelangelo’s masterpieces. Enter St. Peter’s Basilica directly—skipping the 2-hour queue—through a special passageway from the Chapel.
  • Why choose this: This shortcut takes you straight from the Sistine Chapel into St. Peter’s Basilica, saving you hours of waiting. With over a millennium of history, St. Peter’s is packed with must-see treasures, and your guide ensures you don’t miss the iconic rooms and hidden stories you'd likely miss on your own.
  • Upgrade: Choose a semi-private tour with a small group (max 10) for a deeper, more exclusive experience across all three Vatican sites. Or start your day in a serene setting with early access—beat the crowds and reach the Dome’s summit for spectacular views.

Inclusions

  • Guided tour of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel with skip-the-line entry
  • St. Peter's Basilica Access
  • Expert English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, or Portuguese-speaking guide
  • Semi private tour with a max group of 10 (as per option selected)
  • Early morning tour with St. Peter's Basilica and Dome climb (as per option selected)
  • Headphones

Exclusions

  • Gratuities
  • Entry to St. Peter's Basilica Dome
  • Names on tickets must match a valid photo ID. Double-check the details at checkout for a smooth entry.
  • Your ticket includes a specific entry time. Arrive at least 30 minutes before your slot.
  • Knees, shoulders, and back must be covered for all guests.
  • While the tour is not accessible to wheelchair users, the Vatican Museums offer free wheelchair hire and free entry for visitors with mobility impairments (certified invalidity exceeding 74%) and a companion if required.
  • When in Sistine Chapel, silence is mandatory and photography is prohibited. Guides will provide all necessary and interesting details before entry.
  • Expect a considerable wait at the security line, especially during peak times. Patience is key, it could take up to an hour!
  • Please be aware that during the Jubilee Year, certain areas of the Vatican Museums, including the Sistine Chapel, may be inaccessible due to religious ceremonies or unforeseen circumstances. St. Peter's Basilica may also experience unannounced closures. The closure of any museum section does not entitle visitors to any refund.
  • St. Peter’s Basilica may be closed on Wednesday mornings and afternoons due to the Papal Audience in St. Peter’s Square. If you’d like to attend, book an exclusive invitation with guaranteed seating.
  • With the Jubilee underway, all entrances to St. Peter's Basilica are restricted. Therefore, in order to secure access, it will be necessary to complete the reservation no later than 5 days before the experience.
  • These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Reviews
How do we collect reviews?
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4.4
18,838 ratings
12.5K
3.6K
1.1K
634
990
  • United States
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Guests from United States, France, United Kingdom and over 95 countries have loved this experience
What our guests say
reviewer
NIYAZI
Jun 2025Verified booking
4/5

The audio thing does not work good. I had difficulty about hearing. The guide is good and I thing very necessary. Before getting tickets be sure to read all of the information about tour, what you need to and do not need to do. Very crowdy so be ready to this

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Lawrence
Jun 2025Verified booking
4/5

The tour was great. The tour guide was amazing and really knowledgeable. The price was worth it for skipping the ques for the Vatican Museums alone as they were hours long and we bypassed them all and walked in straightaway. The only reason I gave it good rather than awesome was because of the amount of people allowed into the museums itself. This isn't the fault of the tour guide obviously but it meant the experience was less enjoyable in the 30 degree heat because there simply were too many people

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Kirsten
Jun 2025Verified booking
5/5

Our guide, Vincenzo, was wonderful. Very funny and knowledgeable. I don't think you can enjoy touring the Vatican without a guide and skip the line. 100% worth it!

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Nicholas
Jun 2025Verified booking
5/5

Skipping the line was absolutely amazing!!!! The tour guide was absolutely fantastic. Very knowledgeable wonderful tour would not have been the same without her!

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Diana
Jun 2025Verified booking
5/5

Our guide Maria Theresa was amazing! She was very knowledgeable in aspects of the tour. She went out of her way to make sure that the whole group of 17 was taken care of. She had her eyes on everyone throughout and wouldn't let anyone get left behind. With the crowds and other tour croups pushing through she did an exceptional job of communicating with us to keep us together. She gave everyone a potty break in the middle if we needed it. I would highly recommend this tour guide and the company as they all are professionals.

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Christine
Jun 2025Verified booking
4/5

The crowds were very heavy for the jubilee but our guide was wonderful in directing us and keeping us focused on the important details on the museum and Basilica!

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Annett
May 2025Verified booking
5/5

The tour guide was very well organized, punctual, very entertaining and in addition to his technical and historical knowledge also liked to have a humorous joke along the way. The group was very pleasant with 10 people, it always moved quickly so that we could see everything and also ask what we wanted from this tour. Thank you very much. We are very happy to recommend this tour.

View original review in German

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Stephen
May 2025Verified booking
5/5

Everything that was mentioned in the tour we saw. Our guide Olga explained so much to the in-depth knowledge & history of The Vatican & sacred places. The crowds were overwhelming but Olga was able to guide us safely to the best vantage points

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Felipe
May 2025Verified booking
5/5

Very complete visit, the meeting point very easy to locate. I would have liked to have been able to enjoy a little more of the Sistine Chapel, but there were many people and we passed quickly. Otherwise everything was great !!!!

View original review in Spanish

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Tiffany
May 2025Verified booking
5/5

Absolutely loved our guide, Antonio that also speaks Japanese. He was knowledgeable and passionate about his tours. He knew the end and outs making it unforgettable.

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reviewer
Chloé
May 2025Verified booking
4/5

Very good guide bravo! However, we didn't have time to go to St Peter's Basilica, even though it was included in the ticket.

View original review in French

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Anna
May 2025Verified booking
5/5

We visited the Vatican Museums with an exceptional guide named Marco and we were really thrilled with the experience. Marco was very well prepared, clear in his explanations and very passionate: he was able to convey to us the importance and beauty of the works of art in an engaging and never boring way. Thanks to him we were able to better appreciate the richness of the Vatican Museums, and the whole tour. We highly recommend this guided tour, especially with Marco: he made our day unforgettable!

View original review in Italian

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Lori
May 2025Verified booking
5/5

Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable about both the history of all sites but also about how to effectively navigate the journey through the spaces during such an extremely crowded time. Due to the jubilee crowds we had some delays, and our tour ran long. She did not rush through the museums, nd gave us the complete tour anyway. Seeing that some on the group were getting tired, she sought out places to sit and rest, and was more concerned with everyone's health and happiness than ending on time. A native Roman, the depth of her knowledge, her personal perspectives, and her passion were amazing! Since the sistene chapel was closed, she spent 20 minutes using picture handouts to talk through the meaning of the art inside. The climb to the dome was my favorite part - to be inside seeing the mosaics and the perspective of such a grand church from above were incredible!

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Vanessa
Apr 2025Verified booking
5/5

Our guide Theresa was simply great! She told and explained everything so well. The whole tour was super nice and absolutely recommendable.

View original review in German

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Harriet
Apr 2025Verified booking
5/5

Fantastic tour! It's worth it to skip the queues and have a guided tour with a small group. Wonderful experience which I would reccomend to anyone and will absolutely do it again.

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Helen
Apr 2025Verified booking
5/5

Our guide, Francesca, was funny and easy to listen to. She brought the history to life with her stories and kept us all interested at what was a very busy time in the Vatican. The Vatican museums and gardens were stunning, the Sistine Chapel was breathtaking and St Peter's Basilicia was beautiful. Francesca's stories about the art in the Sistine Chapel and Michelangelo's antics were the highlight for me.

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Erin
Apr 2025Verified booking
5/5

Our tour of the Vatican museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter's basilica was amazing. The crowds were crazy but our tour guide kept us together and helped us get where we wanted to go. Her information was great and she was entertaining.

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Harry
Apr 2025Verified booking
5/5

The guide was phenomenal !!! So knowledgeable, so invested in the history, and importing that to the group. Her timing, for ingress and egress to specific areas was so beneficial to the whole experience.

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Vanessa
Jun 2025Verified booking
5/5

Enjoyed it very much. Very busy though. That can't be helped though. Your guide was very informative.

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Flor
Jun 2025Verified booking
5/5

Punctual start, centrally located, very friendly guide and accurate information. A nice experience

View original review in Spanish

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reviewer
Gala
Jun 2025Verified booking
5/5

Our Guide Fredrico (Fred) was amazing. Incredibly knowledgeable and passionate.

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Liguori
May 2025Verified booking
4/5

Knowledgeable guide, very attentive and helpful.

View original review in Italian

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Ayvazyan
May 2025Verified booking
5/5

Our guide, Federico Grande was great. We pass the line in about 5 min. We saw and heard a lot of interesting.

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EVELYN
May 2025Verified booking
4/5

Very interesting tour we did, it allowed us to take pictures and explore the beautiful place.

View original review in Spanish

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Robert
May 2025Verified booking
5/5

Our guide was awesome. Skip the line was great

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Guided tour group in Braccio Nuovo, Vatican Museums, Rome, Italy, early morning exploration.
Sculpture in the courtyard of the Vatican Museums
Tour group at Laocoön and His Sons statue, Vatican Museums, admiring architecture and artwork.
Guide leading tour group through Gallery of Maps, Vatican Museum, showcasing detailed map frescoes.
Visitors exploring Chiaramonti museum in Vatican Museums
Early morning guided tour group exploring the Pio-Clementino - Sala rotonda at Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, admiring the intricate artwork and architecture
Marble statue of the River God, Arno at the Vatican Museums
Tourists taking pictures of Vatican museums
Guided tour group in Braccio Nuovo, Vatican Museums, Rome, Italy, early morning exploration.
Sculpture in the courtyard of the Vatican Museums
Tour group at Laocoön and His Sons statue, Vatican Museums, admiring architecture and artwork.
Guide leading tour group through Gallery of Maps, Vatican Museum, showcasing detailed map frescoes.
Visitors exploring Chiaramonti museum in Vatican Museums
Early morning guided tour group exploring the Pio-Clementino - Sala rotonda at Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, admiring the intricate artwork and architecture
Marble statue of the River God, Arno at the Vatican Museums
Tourists taking pictures of Vatican museums
Guided tour group in Braccio Nuovo, Vatican Museums, Rome, Italy, early morning exploration.
Sculpture in the courtyard of the Vatican Museums
Tour group at Laocoön and His Sons statue, Vatican Museums, admiring architecture and artwork.
Guide leading tour group through Gallery of Maps, Vatican Museum, showcasing detailed map frescoes.
Visitors exploring Chiaramonti museum in Vatican Museums
Early morning guided tour group exploring the Pio-Clementino - Sala rotonda at Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, admiring the intricate artwork and architecture
Marble statue of the River God, Arno at the Vatican Museums
Tourists taking pictures of Vatican museums
4.5(2,170)

Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter's Basilica Early Morning Tour

from
€94
Free cancellation

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Instant confirmation
Mobile ticket
3 hr
Meals included

Enter before opening hours for a quieter, crowd-free Vatican experience.

  • Everything you get: Start your day early and skip the ticketing lines to enter the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel before 8am—well before the crowds arrive. Tour iconic rooms like the Gallery of Maps and Raphael Rooms with your expert guide, then admire Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel frescoes in rare peace. From there, continue into St. Peter’s Basilica, taking in masterpieces like Bernini’s Baldachin and Michelangelo’s Pietà.
  • Why choose this: This tour gets you inside before the doors open to the public—giving you space, silence, and time to absorb the Vatican’s most famous sights without the usual chaos.
  • Upgrades: Add a dome climb to your tour for access to the top of St. Peter’s—climb the stairs for unforgettable panoramic views of Vatican City and Rome.

Enter before opening hours for a quieter, crowd-free Vatican experience.

  • Everything you get: Start your day early and skip the ticketing lines to enter the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel before 8am—well before the crowds arrive. Tour iconic rooms like the Gallery of Maps and Raphael Rooms with your expert guide, then admire Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel frescoes in rare peace. From there, continue into St. Peter’s Basilica, taking in masterpieces like Bernini’s Baldachin and Michelangelo’s Pietà.
  • Why choose this: This tour gets you inside before the doors open to the public—giving you space, silence, and time to absorb the Vatican’s most famous sights without the usual chaos.
  • Upgrades: Add a dome climb to your tour for access to the top of St. Peter’s—climb the stairs for unforgettable panoramic views of Vatican City and Rome.

Inclusions

  • Guided tour of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel with skip-the-line entry
  • Entry to St Peter's Basilica (as per option selected)
  • Semi-private group of 6 (as per option selected)
  • Entry to St Peter's Dome (as per option selected)
  • Breakfast at Vatican Courtyard (as per option selected)
  • Expert English-speaking guide
  • Headsets

Exclusions

  • Gratuities
  • On Wednesday mornings, St. Peter’s Basilica is typically closed due to the weekly Papal audience. Be sure to check this before booking.
  • Names on tickets must match a valid photo ID. Double-check the details at checkout for a smooth entry.
  • Your ticket includes a specific entry time. Arrive punctually to maximize your experience.
  • All visitors must undergo security checks before entry, which can take time, especially during peak season (up to an hour).
  • No chatting, phones, or photography inside Sistine Chapel—just pure admiration. Your guide will share stories and history before entering.
  • Knees, shoulders, and back must be covered for all guests when visiting the Vatican sites.
  • While the tour is not accessible to wheelchair users, the Vatican Museums offer free wheelchair hire and free entry for visitors with mobility impairments (certified invalidity exceeding 74%) and a companion if required.
  • You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Reviews
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4.5
2,170 ratings
1.6K
327
86
58
86
  • United States
  • Australia
  • United Kingdom
  • Canada
  • Mexico
  • Belgium
  • France
  • New Zealand
  • Romania
  • Germany
Guests from United States, Australia, United Kingdom and over 45 countries have loved this experience
What our guests say
reviewer
Lawrence
Jun 2025Verified booking
4/5

The tour was great. The tour guide was amazing and really knowledgeable. The price was worth it for skipping the ques for the Vatican Museums alone as they were hours long and we bypassed them all and walked in straightaway. The only reason I gave it good rather than awesome was because of the amount of people allowed into the museums itself. This isn't the fault of the tour guide obviously but it meant the experience was less enjoyable in the 30 degree heat because there simply were too many people

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Erin
Jun 2025Verified booking
5/5

Our tour guide shared so many interesting things that we would not have know. She helped us navigate the crowds and move through entry quickly, ahead of the long lines. This was a wonderful tour for our family.

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Lori
May 2025Verified booking
5/5

Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable about both the history of all sites but also about how to effectively navigate the journey through the spaces during such an extremely crowded time. Due to the jubilee crowds we had some delays, and our tour ran long. She did not rush through the museums, nd gave us the complete tour anyway. Seeing that some on the group were getting tired, she sought out places to sit and rest, and was more concerned with everyone's health and happiness than ending on time. A native Roman, the depth of her knowledge, her personal perspectives, and her passion were amazing! Since the sistene chapel was closed, she spent 20 minutes using picture handouts to talk through the meaning of the art inside. The climb to the dome was my favorite part - to be inside seeing the mosaics and the perspective of such a grand church from above were incredible!

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Purnima
Apr 2025Verified booking
4/5

Special and Quick entrance to all locations with the help of Guide. Very friendly and knowledgeable guide.

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reviewer
Hunter
Jul 2025Verified booking
5/5

As someone with no base knowledge besides that the Vatican is the home of Catholicism. This was a great way for me to learn about all of Vatican City and the history of it. I would have been wandering around aimlessly without my tour

reviewer
Nakia
Jul 2025Verified booking
5/5

We didn't have a clear understanding of where to meet. Head out and our tour guide did everything to find us and ensure we weren't left out. The tour is breathtaking and unforgettable. This may be the best tour we've taken in any city,any where.

reviewer
Wendy
Jul 2025Verified booking
5/5

Climbed to the top of the dome, enjoyed some amazing spots in St Peter's Basilica! Our guide was very knowledgeable (an archeologist) and passionate about her city and the Vatican.

reviewer
Robyn
Jun 2025Verified booking
4/5

Our guide was brilliant. So knowledge and a welcoming and engaging personality. The walk up the Duomo was exceptional and the view.

reviewer
Mary
Jun 2025Verified booking
5/5

Our tour guide was wonderful and the size of our group at 6 people was perfect. The guide was knowledgable and provided the right amount of information withour overwhelming us.

reviewer
Kerry
Jun 2025Verified booking
5/5

Our tour was delayed because the Pope met the Vatican staff in the morning so the afternoon was packed with people. Michaela our guide was the boss, she got us through extremely busy areas with ease. She appears to have a great relationship with the Vatican staff which meant we had a smooth tour bypassing queues and she is not afraid to "have words" if needed. Now for the tour, excellent loads of information, plenty of time to stop and appreciate the beauty and craftsmanship or take photos. Anyone who gets Michaela as a guide is in for a great tour.

reviewer
CHEN
Jun 2025Verified booking
4/5

The tour guide, Chiara, was very caring and experienced, sharing many historical stories with us. We entered the museum early in the morning to avoid the busiest times, and the flow of the visit was very smooth. Before entering the chapel, Chiara told us the story of the Sistine Chapel, which made our time there truly enjoyable. She also took us on an interesting elevator experience. Unfortunately, due to a sudden event involving the Pope that day, we were unable to enter St. Peter's Basilica from the Sistine Chapel. Chiara accompanied us on a long detour, which was quite a challenge. It would have been even better if we had more time next time.

reviewer
Florenta
May 2025Verified booking
5/5

Beautiful experience! We entered the Vatican museum among the first ones early in the morning. Our guide Chiara was awesome! Extremely knowledgeable with a solid background in history. She gave us so so much information that we can honestly say we graduated from a history college course. When we finished with the Sixteenth Chapel (Amazon) we moved to St Peter basilica to admire more amazing art form Michelangelo and other classics. We were fortunate to go thru the Holly Doors" during the jubilee year. If anyone would like to experience this miracle named Vatican City I highly recommend this company"

reviewer
Lesley
May 2025Verified booking
5/5

Our tour guide Marina was excellent. Early entry was fantastic and very well organised. Would recommend this tour to anyone as you get to enjoy the experience before the large crowds.

reviewer
Mollie
May 2025Verified booking
5/5

I had so much fun!! The experience was absolutely incredible and we had the best guide Andreas! He was so knowledgeable and funny and we had so many laughs throughout the day, I highly highly recommend this experience:)))

reviewer
Colin
May 2025Verified booking
5/5

Our small group tour of the Vatican was fabulous from the start to the finish. Our Tour Guide, Marina, was exceptional, very knowledgeable and informative, very pleasant and friendly and made the tour very enjoyable. We saw all the major

reviewer
Angela
May 2025Verified booking
5/5

Elenora was an amazing tour guide with so much knowledge. We loved our experience and would highly recommend. It was the highlight of our stay in Rome.

reviewer
Adrian
May 2025Verified booking
5/5

The whole experience was great, it makes such a difference to have some education about the history of the Vatican and the chapel. Rita is an amazing tour guide and wholeheartedly recommend the experience.

reviewer
Karuppiah
May 2025Verified booking
5/5

The highlight of my visit was St Peter Dome. Our guide took pride in her job to explain & cover every aspect of the tour. We are blessed to be at Vertican City during this Jubilee year. It was very crowded It took us from 7.15am till 2pm to cover the highlights of Vertican City

reviewer
Cory
May 2025Verified booking
5/5

We had a great day. Our guide was amazing. She really knew her stuff. She was good at giving lots of info and answering questions. Very fun places to visit.

reviewer
Donna
May 2025Verified booking
5/5

We had an amazing morning with our guide, Simona. From our ascent up the 330 steps to the dome of St Peter's Basilica to the amazing trip through the Vatican museum, our 5-hour tour was fantastic. Simona shared facts and stories that I had never heard before, and we thoroughly enjoyed her guidance. The Sistine Chapel was closed due to Pope Leo celebrating his first Mass, but we saw other precious historic artifacts and works of art instead. I highly recommend this tour to anyone looking for a guided tour.

reviewer
Angel
May 2025Verified booking
5/5

The guide and the crew from Tour Guy had everything planned and were diligent to provide the best experince. It was an awsome and very especial tour!

reviewer
Ajit
Apr 2025Verified booking
5/5

Yamuna was well prepared with all the interesting facts, lovely personality, easy to chat with, answerting questions. She prepared us all very well for the climb up the Basilica tower. The information aboit the Cistine Chapel was fantastic and respecting the rules of the chapel even though nobody else was observing them.

reviewer
Silvia
Jun 2025Verified booking
4/5

Our guide was knowledgeable , patient and accommodating.

reviewer
Michelle
Jun 2025Verified booking
5/5

Marina was amazing! Best tour guide we've had.

reviewer
Jeananne
Jun 2025Verified booking
4/5

The early-morning start was worthwhile to beat some of the crowds!

Visitors on St. Peter’s Basilica Dome Terrace in Rome, Italy, overlooking cityscape.
St. Peter’s Basilica Dome view from the rooftop in Rome during a guided tour.
Tour guide leading tourists inside St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City.
St. Peter's Basilica interior with ornate dome and intricate architectural details in Rome.
Tour guide leading tourists at St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City, with the iconic dome in the background.
Statues on the  St. Peter’s Basilica Terrace
Visitors on St. Peter’s Basilica Dome Terrace in Rome, Italy, overlooking cityscape.
St. Peter's Basilica interior with ornate dome and intricate architectural details in Rome.
St. Peter’s Basilica dome view with tourists in Vatican City.
Statue of St Sebastian at St. Peter’s Basilica
Visitors on St. Peter’s Basilica Dome Terrace in Rome, Italy, overlooking cityscape.
St. Peter’s Basilica Dome view from the rooftop in Rome during a guided tour.
Tour guide leading tourists inside St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City.
St. Peter's Basilica interior with ornate dome and intricate architectural details in Rome.
Tour guide leading tourists at St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City, with the iconic dome in the background.
Statues on the  St. Peter’s Basilica Terrace
Visitors on St. Peter’s Basilica Dome Terrace in Rome, Italy, overlooking cityscape.
St. Peter's Basilica interior with ornate dome and intricate architectural details in Rome.
St. Peter’s Basilica dome view with tourists in Vatican City.
Statue of St Sebastian at St. Peter’s Basilica
Visitors on St. Peter’s Basilica Dome Terrace in Rome, Italy, overlooking cityscape.
St. Peter’s Basilica Dome view from the rooftop in Rome during a guided tour.
Tour guide leading tourists inside St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City.
St. Peter's Basilica interior with ornate dome and intricate architectural details in Rome.
Tour guide leading tourists at St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City, with the iconic dome in the background.
Statues on the  St. Peter’s Basilica Terrace
Visitors on St. Peter’s Basilica Dome Terrace in Rome, Italy, overlooking cityscape.
St. Peter's Basilica interior with ornate dome and intricate architectural details in Rome.
St. Peter’s Basilica dome view with tourists in Vatican City.
Statue of St Sebastian at St. Peter’s Basilica
4.2(7,255)

St. Peter’s Basilica Guided Tour

from
€15
Instant confirmation
Mobile ticket
1 hr - 2 hr

Gain insights into the art, history, and spiritual legacy of St. Peter’s with a licensed guide—and climb the Dome for stunning views over Vatican City.

  • Everything you get: Explore the interiors of the basilica with a local expert guide who brings context to its sculptures, mosaics, and sacred spaces—including Michelangelo’s Pietà and the Papal Crypts in the Vatican Grottoes. Then, ride the elevator partway up the Dome and climb the final stretch of stairs to reach the top, where panoramic views of Vatican City and Rome await.
  • Why choose this: The Basilica is vast, layered with centuries of history and symbolism. Instead of wandering without context, this tour gives you structure, stories, and expert insight—plus access to one of its most iconic experiences: the climb to the top of the Dome.

Gain insights into the art, history, and spiritual legacy of St. Peter’s with a licensed guide—and climb the Dome for stunning views over Vatican City.

  • Everything you get: Explore the interiors of the basilica with a local expert guide who brings context to its sculptures, mosaics, and sacred spaces—including Michelangelo’s Pietà and the Papal Crypts in the Vatican Grottoes. Then, ride the elevator partway up the Dome and climb the final stretch of stairs to reach the top, where panoramic views of Vatican City and Rome await.
  • Why choose this: The Basilica is vast, layered with centuries of history and symbolism. Instead of wandering without context, this tour gives you structure, stories, and expert insight—plus access to one of its most iconic experiences: the climb to the top of the Dome.

Inclusions

  • Guided tour of St. Peter's Basilica and Dome with entry
  • Expert English, Spanish, French, German or Italian-speaking guide
  • Access by elevator to the base and stairs to the top

Exclusions

  • Entry to Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel
  • Entry to the Necropolis / St. Peter’s Tomb / Scavi
  • The Dome is not suitable for wheelchair users or those with vertigo or claustrophobia. Even with elevator access, 320 steps must be climbed to reach the cupola.
  • Knees and shoulders must be covered for all guests.
  • These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Reviews
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4.2
7,255 ratings
4.4K
1.6K
334
196
766
  • United States
  • France
  • United Kingdom
  • Germany
  • Spain
  • Canada
  • Australia
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  • Austria
  • Brazil
Guests from United States, France, United Kingdom and over 81 countries have loved this experience
What our guests say
reviewer
ABDEL
Jun 2025Verified booking
5/5

I really liked the cordiality of the guides and the simplicity of the tour, along with the information provided. We started a few minutes after the agreed time, but it was still excellent.

View original review in Spanish

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Kathrin
Jun 2025Verified booking
5/5

The guide was great and has a lot of experience - he has lived in Rome for 30 years and has many life stories to tell. A very funny and entertaining tour with the necessary background knowledge 😊👍👍👍👍👍

View original review in German

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Charlotte
Jun 2025Verified booking
5/5

Volodymyr was great. He provided lots of really interesting facts, and was keen to offer information and insights around the interests of members of our group. I particularly liked the fact that he gave quite a balanced view - of some of the corruption over the centuries, as well as pointing out the glories of the artwork, and all the time being respectful of the culture and religion.

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mark
Jun 2025Verified booking
5/5

Alishba was an amazing guide, so passionate and knowledgeable. She made the tour an exceptional experience Thank you so much Alishba your an amazing lady

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reviewer
Steven
Jun 2025Verified booking
5/5

Booking the tour was seamless and efficient. From the moment the tour started to when it ended, we enjoyed every part of it. Our Guide (Kelly) was so helpful, fun and informative. She brought the whole group together really quickly making us all feel like a little multi country family. She went out of her way to make all participants of the group feel very much included. The detail that was shared and the pace we went through the tour was perfect. Kelly's explanation of everything made our visit to the Vatican that much more special.

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Ruth
Jun 2025Verified booking
5/5

The lady who gave us a lot of information about St. Peter's Basilica and the Vatican State was very knowledgeable and extremely friendly and never tired of answering even the last interesting question. A "feel-good tour"!

View original review in German

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reviewer
Irzi
Jun 2025Verified booking
5/5

Super-friendly guide, to the point in her explanations and full of anecdotes. Mastered her subject and was extremely efficient. Remarkable VAV in all aspects of the tour.

View original review in French

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Victor
Jun 2025Verified booking
5/5

Superb visit despite the crowds due to the basilica being closed in the morning. The guide was perfect, full of anecdotes and attention to detail, conveying his passion and love for this monument. The climb up to the dome was well worth it, with its magnificent 360° view of Rome and Vatican City. The only downside is that the meeting point is poorly signposted, as it's a guide with a flag that shouldn't be blue. And it would be simpler to have a bus stop for the meeting point or a reserved room.

View original review in French

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Andrea
Jun 2025Verified booking
5/5

The guide, Edward, who was very knowledgeable and personable, was able to engage the group in the tour, giving comprehensive and easy-to-understand explanations even for children.

View original review in Italian

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Jan
May 2025Verified booking
5/5

The church itself was amazing, but our guide topped it with an engaged, huomoristic and very interesting tour. We really learned a lot from him and we all had a great experience and it was worth all the money.

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Jyotsna
May 2025Verified booking
5/5

We loved the overall experience and our tour guide was awesome and very knowledgeable. She explained everything patiently and thoroughly. We highly recommend this tour.

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reviewer
Catherine
May 2025Verified booking
5/5

We had a very nice tour, especially the guide was very, very nice, knowledgeable, very well read and above all friendly. You could ask him questions, he explained everything, took a toilet break and always kept an eye on his group!!!! I would recommend such a tour!!! It's really worth the money. There was so much going on, yet he kept calm and kept on explaining. We took away so much from this tour, including the history.....If you do a tour like this on your own you don't get this information at all. Thank you very much

View original review in German

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reviewer
Servais
May 2025Verified booking
5/5

Our guide Frédérico was sensational. With great explanations. We lived in the moment. And, above all, in beautiful French.

View original review in French

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Petra
May 2025Verified booking
5/5

We took the tour in a small group. The starting point was easy to find. Our guide JAD was attentive to our needs, and we appreciated his explanations.

View original review in French

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reviewer
Dusdal
Apr 2025Verified booking
5/5

Many thanks for the experience! A big compliment to our guide. She was very knowledgeable and articulate. Everything seemed very professional and customer-friendly.

View original review in German

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reviewer
Sandra
Apr 2025Verified booking
5/5

We had Michaela as our guide and we were more than impressed with her. There were a total of 18 young people in our group who stayed attentive until the end thanks to Michaela's manner. A thousand thanks to Michaela for this wonderful experience.

View original review in German

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reviewer
Kimberly
Apr 2025Verified booking
4/5

Our tour guide was very nice and knowledgeable. What I didn't like was that it said it was a 2 hour tour and it was to start at 8:25 which it did however one of the most things I was looking forward to was the dome climb. Since the description said 2 hours I felt comfortable scheduling another tour at noon. We were still in line at 11:15 for the climb and we had to miss what I was really looking forward to to make sure we made our next tour. I would suggest in your description that the dome climb isn't until the end of the tour and that your tour can last upwards of 3-4 hours long. Since that was one of my highlights of your tour description we then went back after our other tour and then had to pay more to do the dome climb.

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reviewer
Chinyelu
Apr 2025Verified booking
4/5

Good, a little disorganized and a lot of wasted time. But it was good. I went off on my own to explore, because the history can be googled or read in the library, most people already read and heard, then come to SEE it . Tour guide needs to focus on getting people inside, taking them to various biblical status, and areas, for pictures. This is not a history class, we only had 1-2hrs , but our tour guide spent 40 mins telling us stories and history outside and on the door way, While I applaud her of her knowledge, however this is not a history class, 6 of us had other tours scheduled right afterwards, so we left the tour midway to explore the Basilica on our own, including the Tomb areas underneath.

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Agnes
Apr 2025Verified booking
5/5

We had an unforgettable tour. Even though we thought we had booked an audio tour, we absolutely did not regret the guided tour. Alexandra is a very enthusiastic guide with extensive knowledge about St. Peter's and the Vatican. Her English is very good! Also highly recommended for visitors who have been to St. Peter's before!

View original review in Dutch

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Therese
Apr 2025Verified booking
5/5

I had an incredible experience on the St. Peter’s Basilica Guided Tour. Our guide was absolutely amazing and extremely knowledgeable about the rich history and architecture of the basilica. I walked away with a much deeper appreciation and understanding of this iconic site. Highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting the Vatican!

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Kilani
Jun 2025Verified booking
5/5

It was very interesting a must visit !! The guide Valerio was super cool and very polite he explained every detail

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Mary
Jun 2025Verified booking
5/5

Our tour guide was knowledgeable and patient. She easily moved us through the crowd.

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CHEN
Jun 2025Verified booking
5/5

Awesome , my pleased to be here and wish everyone a good, peace fortune

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reviewer
UDHAYAKUMAR
Jun 2025Verified booking
5/5

Fantastic and Tour guide Alexandria was exceptional

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Sara
May 2025Verified booking
5/5

This experience is perfect for learning about the history of this wonderful basilica and the wonderful Rome

View original review in Italian

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Visitors exploring the Vatican Museums with a guide, viewing art and architecture.
Sculptures at the Vatican Museums
Gallery of Maps at the Vatican Museums
Sculpture of the River Nile in Vatican Museums, Rome, featuring reclining figure with children.
Visitor admiring ceiling artwork in Vatican Museums, Rome.
Vatican Museums Staircase
St. Peter Basilica, Vatican
Altar of the St. Peter Basilica, Vatican
Visitors exploring the Vatican Museums with a guide, viewing art and architecture.
Sculptures at the Vatican Museums
Gallery of Maps at the Vatican Museums
Sculpture of the River Nile in Vatican Museums, Rome, featuring reclining figure with children.
Visitor admiring ceiling artwork in Vatican Museums, Rome.
Vatican Museums Staircase
St. Peter Basilica, Vatican
Altar of the St. Peter Basilica, Vatican
Visitors exploring the Vatican Museums with a guide, viewing art and architecture.
Sculptures at the Vatican Museums
Gallery of Maps at the Vatican Museums
Sculpture of the River Nile in Vatican Museums, Rome, featuring reclining figure with children.
Visitor admiring ceiling artwork in Vatican Museums, Rome.
Vatican Museums Staircase
St. Peter Basilica, Vatican
Altar of the St. Peter Basilica, Vatican
4.4(28)

VIP Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Private Tour

from
€599
Free cancellation

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Instant confirmation
Mobile ticket
3 hr

Tour the Vatican on your terms with a private, customizable experience and exclusive Basilica access.

  • Everything you get: Skip ticketing lines and explore the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel with just your group and a dedicated guide. Your guide tailors the visit to your interests—whether that's the Borgia Apartments, Braccio Nuovo, or hidden corners most tours miss. After the Chapel, use a special passage to enter St. Peter’s Basilica, where you can explore on your own at your own pace.
  • Why choose this: It’s just you, your group, and an expert guide—no crowds, no distractions. Go deeper into the art and history that interest you most, and move at a pace that’s fully yours.
  • Upgrades: Add a fully guided tour of St. Peter’s Basilica to uncover the stories behind its most iconic features—like Michelangelo’s Pietà, Bernini’s altar, and the dome’s breathtaking interior.

Tour the Vatican on your terms with a private, customizable experience and exclusive Basilica access.

  • Everything you get: Skip ticketing lines and explore the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel with just your group and a dedicated guide. Your guide tailors the visit to your interests—whether that's the Borgia Apartments, Braccio Nuovo, or hidden corners most tours miss. After the Chapel, use a special passage to enter St. Peter’s Basilica, where you can explore on your own at your own pace.
  • Why choose this: It’s just you, your group, and an expert guide—no crowds, no distractions. Go deeper into the art and history that interest you most, and move at a pace that’s fully yours.
  • Upgrades: Add a fully guided tour of St. Peter’s Basilica to uncover the stories behind its most iconic features—like Michelangelo’s Pietà, Bernini’s altar, and the dome’s breathtaking interior.

Inclusions

  • Private guided tour of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel with skip-the-line access
  • Reserved entry and private guided tour of St. Peter's Basilica (as per option selected)
  • Expert English/Spanish/French/German/Italian-speaking guide
  • Headsets
  • The price displayed is for two people and increases as you add more participants.
  • Names on tickets must match a valid photo ID. Double-check the details at checkout for a smooth entry.
  • Your tour includes a specific entry time and delays entry might result in denied entry. Arrive punctually to maximize your experience.
  • Cover your shoulders, knees, and backs—this applies to all visitors.
  • While the tour is not accessible to wheelchair users, the Vatican Museums offer free wheelchair hire and free entry for visitors with mobility impairments (certified invalidity exceeding 74%) and a companion if required.
  • When in Sistine Chapel, silence is mandatory and photography is prohibited. Guides will provide all necessary and interesting details before entry.
  • Security checks are mandatory for all visitors and may result in wait times, especially during peak season they might stretch to an hour.
  • The Vatican Museums reserve the right to close any section, including the Sistine Chapel, due to unforeseen circumstances. The closure of any museum section does not entitle visitors to any refund.
  • You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Reviews
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Snapshots from our guests
4.4
28 ratings
21
3
1
1
2
  • United States
  • Mexico
  • France
  • Germany
  • Australia
  • Romania
  • United Kingdom
  • Greece
  • Switzerland
  • Hong Kong
Guests from United States, Mexico, France and over 11 countries have loved this experience
What our guests say
reviewer
Patricia
May 2025Verified booking
5/5

This experience is perfect for our guide Laura was knowledgeable and pleasant.. She made the tour so interesting. We are so grateful for Laura!!

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reviewer
Dirk
May 2025Verified booking
5/5

Nunzia had incredible knowledge and an extremely pleasant feeling for us. In addition to the tour, she gave us lots of tips for the days and evenings. We would be happy to book with you again; I can only recommend you.

View original review in German

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reviewer
Rui
Jul 2025Verified booking
5/5

From the moment we checked in with Touristation Vaticano to the completion of our tour with Ferdinando, the entire experience was exceptional. This was by far the best investment we made during our time in Rome. I truly recommend Touristation Vaticano and the VIP guide Ferdinando to anyone visiting the city.

reviewer
sarah
Apr 2025Verified booking
5/5

AnnaMaria was an absolutely brilliant tour guide. Very knowledgeable and a true Roman. Thank you for the great experience

reviewer
Laura
Jun 2025Verified booking
5/5

Loved our guide! Maggie was knowledgeable and very capable. We were extremely please with her guidance.

reviewer
Tobias
May 2025Verified booking
5/5

Good guide and good highlights on the tour.

View original review in German

reviewer
Randi
Apr 2025Verified booking
5/5

Valentina is fantastic! Reccomend 100%

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Alexander
Jul 2025Verified booking
5/5

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Jorge
May 2025Verified booking
5/5

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Donna
May 2025Verified booking
4/5

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MARTHA
Apr 2025Verified booking
5/5

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Ruth
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5/5

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Mariel
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5/5

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Stefania
May 2025Verified booking
1/5

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MARIO
Feb 2025Verified booking
5/5

Noelle Exceptional, very happy with our guide and the knowledge she has of all the details during the tour, very attentive and respectful with all my family. Visit, very attentive and respectful with all my family, super recommended!

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Pamela
Jan 2025Verified booking
5/5

Very knowledgeable and very accommodation to my husnads use of a cane. We had a great time

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THEILLAUD
Feb 2025Verified booking
5/5

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ANTONIO
Feb 2025Verified booking
4/5

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Martin
Feb 2025Verified booking
3/5

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Jutta
Jan 2025Verified booking
5/5

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Gregory
Jan 2025Verified booking
5/5

Great Italian guide who speaks French fluently and knows all the guards. We passed through Vatican security in few minutes and the tour was really interesting. We have a great memory of this morning. Thank you very much.

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Dolores
Dec 2024Verified booking
5/5

Our guide Alexandra led us through the Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel with such naturalness that we felt like we were in Roman times and enjoyed our visit ! Grazzie mile

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Franck
Jan 2025Verified booking
5/5

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Mayet
Oct 2024Verified booking
4/5

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cassandra
Oct 2024Verified booking
5/5

Vatican TicketsPapal Audience

What is the Papal Audience?

Have you ever wanted to see the Pope in real life? The Papal Audience is a great opportunity to do so. Every Wednesday at St. Peter's Square, the Pope greets and addresses pilgrims from all over the world. The Pope greets and addresses a gathering of Christian pilgrims, devotees, and inspired visitors around St. Peter’s Square. The Papal Audience is seen as a way for the Pope to keep in personal touch with his followers and strengthen their faith through his messages. 

The Pope makes a reading and delivers a short sermon followed by the final prayer and a bestowal of Papal blessings. These are delivered in Italian, though, short summaries are provided in English and other languages.

  • Venue: Usually held in St. Peter’s Square; during inclement weather or extreme temperatures, it's moved to the Paul VI Audience Hall.
  • Time: Begins around 9am; security opens by 7:30am.
  • Duration: Approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.

A tradition that brings people together

The General Audience was started as early as 1939 by Pope Pius XII with the intention of praying for newly married couples. It ceased temporarily during World War II and resumed again in 1963 under Pope Paul VI to include all the faithful while speaking on themes each week such as hope, faith, and charity.

Over the decades, it has grown into a weekly event held (usually) every Wednesday, either in St. Peter’s Square or the Paul VI Hall. Pilgrims, families, and travelers alike attend—some for spiritual guidance, others simply for the rare opportunity to see the Pope in person. No matter your reason, you’ll be part of a deeply moving moment in the heart of Vatican life.

How can I attend the Papal Audience?

Crowd gathered at St. Peter's Basilica for new pope announcement, Vatican City.

Attending the Papal Audience is always free, but tickets are required for the main seated and standing sections to help manage crowds and ensure safety.

Tickets do not assign you a specific seat—they simply grant access to a particular section or area. Seating is always first-come, first-served: the earlier you arrive, the better your spot will be.

You can still attend without a ticket, but you’ll be limited to standing at the back of St. Peter’s Square. For a better view and overall experience, it’s best to request tickets at least 1 month in advance, especially in peak season.

Note: Newlyweds married within two months can request special seating (“sposi novelli” section) via the Prefecture.

How do I get Papal audience tickets?

third party

1. Request directly from the Vatican

  • Website: Submit your request through the Prefecture of the Papal Household's official website.
  • Timing: It's advisable to request tickets at least 2 weeks in advance.
  • Pickup: Collect your tickets at the Bronze Door (under the right-hand colonnade of St. Peter's Square) between 3pm and 7pm on the day before the audience, or between 7am and 10am on the day of the audience.
person writing an email to venue

2. Email request

  • Email: Send your request to visitorsoffice@pnac.org.
  • Details: Include the date of the audience, number of tickets, names, and contact information.
  • Pickup: Upon confirmation, you will be able to pick your ticket up at the Trevi Fountain between 3am and 7am. Specific instructions for ticket collection will be provided upon confirmation.
Swiss Guards

3. In-person request via the Swiss Guards

  • Location: Approach the Swiss Guards at the Bronze Door in St. Peter's Square.
  • Timing: Available 3 days prior to the audience.
  • Note: Tickets are limited and subject to availability; this method is not recommended during peak seasons.
Small group exploring St. Peter's Basilica interior on guided tour, Vatican City.

4. Book a guided Papal Audience tour

For a seamless and enriching experience, consider booking the Papal Audience tour. This package includes:

  • Guaranteed seating at the Papal Audience with invitation to the Vatican Papal Audience.
  • Guided tour of the Papal Audience.

This option ensures you have a reserved spot and provides insightful commentary, enhancing your understanding of the event's significance.

Important notes:

  • For groups of 10 or more, advance reservation is required.
  • Tickets grant access to designated sections but do not guarantee specific seats; seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Plan your visit to Papal audience

Schedule
Location
Dress code
Accessibility
Rules & regulations
Vatican City crowd attending mass in St. Peter's Square.

The General Audience with the Pope happens every Wednesday and usually begins at 9am. Security usually allows visitors in by 7:30am.

The Pope’s official schedule is made known days ahead of the event. You can also refer to the Papal Audience calendar for dates when the event is held. 

There are times when the Pope is overseas or is engaged in some work in which case the Papal Audience will not be held for that week.

Papal Audience
Papal Audience
Papal Audience
Papal Audience
  • Arrive early and aim for a seat along the central aisle to increase your chances of a close-up view as the Pope passes by in the Popemobile.
  • Photography is allowed, but use cameras respectfully—avoid flash or large equipment to not disrupt the audience.
  • Travel light to breeze through security; only small bags are allowed, and items like sharp objects, glass containers, and large backpacks are prohibited.
  • Bring rosaries, medals, or other religious items to receive the Pope’s Apostolic Blessing at the end of the audience.
  • “Saving seats” is frowned upon. For the best chance at sitting together, arrive as a group and enter the square when the gates open.
  • St. Peter’s Square is exposed to the elements. Bring water, sunscreen, and a hat—especially in summer—as you may be outside for several hours.

What to expect during a Papal audience?

People from all over the world visit the Vatican with the hope of seeing the Pope and listening to his words of wisdom. Experience the following while you’re there:

Pope Leo XIV addressing audience at Vatican City during Papal Audience Viewing Experience.

Papal address

The Pope, as the spiritual leader of the Catholic Church and successor to Saint Peter, holds a central role in guiding the faithful. During the Papal Audience, he often engages personally with the crowd—shaking hands, signing autographs, and greeting people from the Popemobile around 9am. He then delivers a catechetical teaching, offering reflections on themes like faith, hope, and charity, rooted in Scripture and aimed at inspiring Catholics worldwide.

Papal Audience
Priest reading church bible during mass

Sermon and prayers

In his address to the faithful, the Pope will make a reading from the Gospels and disseminate small teachings in the form of a sermon based on the readings. To accommodate the international assembly, summaries of the Pope's message are provided in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, French, German, Portuguese, Polish, and Arabic. He will also say the Our Father in Latin.

Pilgrim at St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican City, during Jubilee 2025 event.

Apostolic blessing

The audience concludes with the Pope imparting the Apostolic Blessing. This blessing extends not only to those present but also to their loved ones, especially the sick and suffering. Attendees are encouraged to bring religious articles such as rosaries, medals, and prayer cards, which the Pope blesses during this time.

Frequently asked questions about the Papal audience in Vatican City

Do I need to be Catholic to attend the Papal Audience?

No, the Papal Audience is open to individuals of all faiths and backgrounds. It's an opportunity to hear the Pope's teachings and receive his blessing.

Is there a fee to attend the Papal Audience?

No, tickets to the Papal Audience are entirely free. Be cautious of any third parties attempting to sell tickets, as this is not authorized.

Can I attend the Papal Audience without a ticket?

While tickets are required for seated areas, individuals without tickets may still attend by standing in the open sections of St. Peter's Square. However, space is limited, and early arrival is recommended.

What is the dress code for attending the Papal Audience?

Modest attire is required. Both men and women should ensure shoulders and knees are covered. This dress code is strictly enforced, and non-compliance may result in denied entry.

Where is Papal Audience held?

The Papal Audience is usually held in St. Peter’s square of the Vatican. When the weather becomes cold or rainy, the Papal Audience is held indoors within the Papal Hall.

When was the Papal Hall built?

The construction of the Papal Hall was started in 1963 and inaugurated in 1971. It was designed by Italian engineer and architect Pier Luigi Nervi.

Are children allowed at the Papal Audience?

Yes, children are welcome to attend. It's a family-friendly event, but parents should prepare for large crowds and ensure children are supervised at all times.

How long is the Papal Audience?

The Papal Audience takes about an hour and a half to complete but may extend to two hours.

What can I do at Papal Audience?

At the Papal Audience, you will get a chance to see the Pope live. You can listen to his teaching and receive his blessings. You will also get a chance to see St. Peter’s square, a magnificent oval pavilion.

Can I take photos at Papal Audience?

Yes, taking photos and selfies is permitted at a Papal Audience.

Can I talk to the Pope in a Papal Audience?

During his arrival and exit, the Pope meets and greets the public under strict security measures. Unless you are part of the special groups seated near the speaking platform like disabled visitors and newlyweds, you will not get a chance to meet the Pope personally.

Can I bring religious items to be blessed?

Yes, the Pope imparts an Apostolic Blessing at the conclusion of the audience, which extends to religious articles such as rosaries and medals. Simply have them with you during the blessing.

What happens in case of bad weather?

In the event of inclement weather, the Papal Audience may be relocated to the Paul VI Audience Hall. Ticket holders will be informed of any changes accordingly.

From happy customers

ABDEL AGUILAR
PA

Abdel

Panama
Jun, 2025
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I really liked the cordiality of the guides and the simplicity of the tour, along with the information provided. We started a few minutes after the agreed time, but it was still excellent.
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mark dasey
GB

Mark

United Kingdom
Jun, 2025
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Alishba was an amazing guide, so passionate and knowledgeable. She made the tour an exceptional experience Thank you so much Alishba your an amazing lady
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Kathrin Heraeus-Lindl
DE

Kathrin

Germany
Jun, 2025
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The guide was great and has a lot of experience - he has lived in Rome for 30 years and has many life stories to tell. A very funny and entertaining tour with the necessary background knowledge 😊👍👍👍👍👍
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Steven sibraa
AU

Steven

Australia
Jun, 2025
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Booking the tour was seamless and efficient. From the moment the tour started to when it ended, we enjoyed every part of it. Our Guide (Kelly) was so helpful, fun and informative. She brought the whole group together really quickly making us all feel like a little multi country family. She went out of her way to make all participants of the group feel very much included. The detail that was shared and the pace we went through the tour was perfect. Kelly's explanation of everything made our visit to the Vatican that much more special.
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Mary Grace Ang Dulay

Mary

Jun, 2025
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+ 1 more

Crowds were expected, didn't expect to extend our walk/tour for more than 2hrs. So if you have a booking with with tour time, make sure you will allocate enough to move from one place to another eg 2hrs. Overall, we had a good experience & learned so much.
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Kirsten Mary Bajlo
US

Kirsten

United States
Jun, 2025
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Our guide, Vincenzo, was wonderful. Very funny and knowledgeable. I don't think you can enjoy touring the Vatican without a guide and skip the line. 100% worth it!
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Nicholas D Bacci
US

Nicholas

United States
Jun, 2025
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Skipping the line was absolutely amazing!!!! The tour guide was absolutely fantastic. Very knowledgeable wonderful tour would not have been the same without her!
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Iker Abner  Uranga Ortega
ES

Iker

Spain
Jun, 2025
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The visit to the Vatican Gardens has been a unique experience, I went with my fiancée and we wanted to return once again and do it walking now because it is such a beautiful place that makes you want to spend more time observing every detail, the trip in the open bus is super good if you have an agenda to visit more things in Rome, because you can tour the gardens with ease, plus with the guide in multiple hate to choose the experience becomes more dynamic. We recommend it 100%
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